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Views sought on strategy to protect Borough’s shoreline

Local residents, businesses and community groups are being invited to have their say on the Council’s long-term strategy for managing the risk of tidal flooding and erosion across the Borough.

The Shoreline Strategy is currently in draft form and outlines how the Council proposes to manage these risks over the next 100 years. A long term strategy is needed because sea levels are set to rise over the next hundred years, which in turn increases the risk of flooding and coastal erosion. The Council is looking for comments from the public to help shape the Shoreline Strategy before defining a preferred way forward.

Cllr Tony Cox, Executive Councillor for Transport, Waste and Cleansing, said: “We have a duty to protect local people and properties by managing the risks of flooding and erosion effectively. But at the same time, we also have to consider the impact that any sea defences might have on the unique environment and setting of our shoreline.

“Whilst we cannot eliminate the risks of flooding and erosion entirely, we can reduce their impact by working with others and preparing for them. The key to an effective and workable long-term strategy will be working together and striking the right balance between protecting people, infrastructure and the environment.

“I strongly urge the local community to contribute to shaping the Shoreline Strategy so that the approach we adopt is widely understood and jointly supported.”

The Council is developing the Shoreline Strategy in consultation with other organisations that share an interest in our coastline, including Natural England and the Environment Agency.

Find out more and have your say:

A series of three public drop-in sessions is taking place from this weekend, where local people can learn more about the draft strategy, speak to members of the team that have developed it and give their feedback.

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